Roche: Red Sox Had Their Chance With Lester
BOSTON (CBS) -- The free agent market is going to get silly this winter, with too many teams with way too much money to spend.
Because several teams have deep pockets and a need at the top of their rotation, Jon Lester has a chance to get his share of that silly money.
Just look at the Chicago Cubs. Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer, and Joe Maddon all know what Lester is about -- both on and off the field. They can, and will, throw silly money at Lester.
Theo's Cubs need pitchers who not only lead a staff on the field, but in the locker room as well. They need someone to show younger players the way and Lester, a man who wants the ball whenever his team needs him, is that pitcher. And with his body type (big legs), I wouldn't expect him to break down long term. The soon-to-be 31-year-old may have to change in some ways due to age over the years, but I think he can stay effective, much like Andy Pettitte did at the end of his career.
It won't just be the Cubs in hot pursuit of the two-time World Series champ either. Other teams will come calling on Lester, with Seattle, his hometown team who also has money to throw around, another club that makes a lot of sense.
One MLB executive, according to ESPNBoston.com's Gordon Edes, thinks the Red Sox will resign their former ace, and break from their philosophy to do so.
I think the Red Sox had their chance last season, when a five-year, $100 million offer would have gotten it done. Now? Well, if John Henry wants to make an exception when it comes to long term deals for players in their 30s, he can get it done, but it will cost him a lot more.
Lester will likely command (and get) a six or seven year deal worth anywhere from $130-160 million. If it were me in charge, I would give him a five-year deal worrh $140-145 million to get it done.
But if the Sox don't compete with the rest of the teams in the market for a lefty ace, I would think Lester says "thanks, but no thanks" to his former squad.
Follow WBZ-TV's Dan Roche on Twitter @RochieWBZ.
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